Marcia Griffiths (born Marcia Llyneth Griffiths in Kingston, Jamaica, on 23… Read Full Bio ↴Marcia Griffiths (born Marcia Llyneth Griffiths in Kingston, Jamaica, on 23 November 1949) is a Jamaican singer. As well as her solo work, she worked with Bob Andy from 1970 to 1974 as a duo Bob & Marcia and from 1974 to 1981 she was a member of the I Threes, th trio of backing singers that supported Bob Marley & the Wailers.
Griffiths has been one of the most successful female reggae artist in the world with songs like "Young, Gifted And Black" (1970), "Feel Like Jumping" (1978) and "Steppin' Out Of Babylon" (1979), and "Electric Boogie (1990) . She cooperated with Bob Marley on all his LP albums for Island Records and in all tours until his death.
Griffiths began her early career with Bob Andy in the duo Bob and Marcia, who delivered hit songs like "Young, Gifted And Black" (1970) and "The Pied Piper" (1971). She was already an international star and more known than Bob Marley in 1973 where she contributed to the group's first LP on Island Records – Catch A Fire – by running in songs like "No More Trouble". In 1974, she joined Bob Marley & The Wailers as one of the permanent members of the I-Threes – the vocal trio that also included Judy Mowatt and Rita Marley, who lifted and reinforced Bob Marley's messages on the stage and studio albums.
Solo she delivered heavy love songs like "The First Time I Saw Your Face" and "Sweet Bitter Love" (1974) on the album Play Me Sweet And Niceand immortal roots reggae classic "Steppin' Out Of Babylon" on the album Steppin'. In between, she released the album Naturally, where she sang Bunny Wailer classic rastafarian song "Dreamland", Bob Marley's "Lonesome Feeling" and her own hit songs, "Feel Like Jumping" , "Truly" and "Melody Life" - songs that are still played by radio stations worldwide.
With some help from Bunny Wailer 1990 she hit the Billboard chart with “Electric Boogie” ( Carousell) and created a world class dance, the Electric Slide. This super star has been recording and performing ceaselessly.
At a reggae concert in South Florida, Griffiths displayed, in combination with Reggae rapper Cutty Ranks, on their duet of “Fire Burning”, all the zeal and elements that go into dancehall music. Griffiths exhibited the same exuberance when performing her international crossove hit “Electric Boogie.”
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Griffiths recalls “I started singing professionally as a vocalist in 1964, for Byron Lee and the Dragonaires band.” Her recording years started soon after, at Coxsone Dodd - Studio One where she recorded her first hit “Feel Like Jumping."
It was while recording at Studio One that Griffiths teamed up with Bob Andy on ‘Really Together," the first of many duets that the two would record. “Luckily for me, Bob Andy was always a strong and wise person”, says Griffiths. “He was there for me in the early days and that gave me confidence”. Then the pair moved to the Harry J Label, hitting the British, as well as the International charts with “Young Gifted and Black” and “The Pied Piper,” recording two albums of the same titles.
Following that duet success, she went solo again on the High Note label with Reggae's sole established female producer - Sonia Pottinger - hitting with several songs including her own original “Stepping Out of Babylon.” and releasing two albums “Naturally” and “Stepping”. When asked to express her opinion on female reggae vocalists, Marcia said “Its been a rough, tough job standing up as a woman in this business, that’s why my album before “Land of Love” I chose to call “Indomitable”, which means not easily discouraged or defeated. My views on women in reggae are positive; most of the new or upcoming female singers in reggae started out singing my songs before doing their own originals. I feel very good about that; to know that I have influenced my people positively.”
In 1974, Griffiths united with Judy Mowatt and Rita Marley to form the I-Threes as an important part of the Bob Marley entourage. “Words are not enough to express my experience with the I-Threes and Bob Marley and the Wailers”, says Marcia. “What a blessing to be so privileged.....to have shared this experience”.
Griffiths gained solo international recognition with her monster hit “Electric Boogie.” This song was first recorded in 1982 and went to the #1 spot on the Jamaican charts. Sales continued over the years and in 1989, a Washington, DC Disc Jockey started playing it regularly and in no time, it caught on and hit the station’s regular rotation list.
A new dance, the Electric Slide, was created from the “Electric Boogie” song and as a result, sales soared and the “Electric Slide” became popular all over the U.S. The song and dance have been featured on the Oprah Winfrey and Phil Donahue shows, and the video has been aired many times on the Black Entertainment TV (BET) and other nationwide music networks.
Marcia Llyneth Griffiths was born on November 23, 1949 to Joseph and Beatrice Griffiths. The family hailed from a poor section of West Kingston, but as bad as things were, Marcia considered those days glorious, because there was always one thing in abundance - one thing that made them the wealthiest family in the world - one thing that no one could take from them... Love.
Marcia as a teenager attended Kingston Senior School, and was a zealous member of her church choir. In fact, she was always taking part in some school concert or play. She loved to hang out and sing with friends, often times sneaking out of the house after her parents had gone to bed. It was during one such nightly excursion, that the slim fifteen year old beauty managed to get herself discovered.
Philip “Boasie” James lead singer of the Blues Busters vocal duo was visiting his girlfriend, who lived next door to Marcia, and heard this lovely voice floating through the air. He could not believe his ears, and subsequently took Marcia straight away to Byron Lee and insisted that this song-bird be included on the upcoming talent show to be held at the Carib Theater in Kingston. Marcia remembers that Byron was upset with “Boasie” for coming to interrupt his well planned program schedule and insisting that this "nobody" go on his show.
Marcia remembers she performed a Carla Thomas original,“No Time To Lose” to phenomenal response from the audience. They demanded an encore, but to no avail, as she had only rehearsed one song with the band. As much as she wanted to, she could not do any more performances that day.
The attention Marcia received after this auspicious debut was overwhelming. Everyone wanted to manage her, including Byron Lee’s manager Ronnie Nasralla. That same night he took her to the studios of JBC where Marcia made her first television debut. All in one day were the ingredients of an overnight success story which no one realized was about to happen. The rest is history, for the girl who became first the queen, the matriarch of Reggae Music. Marcia L. Griffiths OD., a great contributor to Reggae Music, is most fitting for the royal, prestigious, and respectful title of Reggae Empress.
In 2004 at the dawning of the 21st century, the most influential female artist in Jamaican popular music, Marcia Griffiths OD is briskly fanning the flames of Reggae Music. Working in the studio, releasing records and touring. Marcia continues her mission of spreading the message in the music into the new millennium.
In between studio sessions, Marcia has been on the road. In the past two years she has enjoyed a successful tour of the USA with Beres Hammond and Freddie Mcgregor. Traveling to England with Beres Hammond they performed an extensive tour with the same overwhelming results. Forward on a yard, Marcia shared the stage with Boyz II Men at the massive Spring Break concert for MTV in Negril Jamaica. Returning to the US, she performed in Orlando, Florida, (Disney World) Universal Studio, at the opening of the Bob Marley Museum. Sharing the bill were the I-Threes, Ziggy Marley and Inner Circle. Moving on up to New York, Marcia displayed two memorable shows with Beres Hammond and Buju Banton at Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden. Going further north Marcia worked in Toronto and Montreal with John Holt and Ken Boothe. Again in the USA with Bob Andy as the Legendary duo, they performed at the Bob Marley Day Celebration in Los Angeles, before heading down south to perform at the historic Reggae meets Rocksteady showcase in Miami. Next Marcia toured with the legendary Wailers Band. Then the I-Threes were off for shows in Italy, Europe and South Africa. Returning to Jamaica, the I-Threes shared the stage for two shows with R&B legends Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle. In November 2002, along with John Holt, Ken Boothe and Mikey Spice, Marcia produced an historical performance with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra at the Wembley Arena, Birmingham and Aston Vill Leisure Centre, Middlesex. Since then Marcia has performed in New York, Toronto, Atlanta, Miami and Jamaica.
The driving force of the Reggae Empress is fueled by her inner desire to serve the people of the world with sweet reggae music. She said “ Music alone shall live, and it’s not only for the money, but the satisfaction I get from doing the work that I love, that is what really keeps me going everyday”.
Griffiths has been one of the most successful female reggae artist in the world with songs like "Young, Gifted And Black" (1970), "Feel Like Jumping" (1978) and "Steppin' Out Of Babylon" (1979), and "Electric Boogie (1990) . She cooperated with Bob Marley on all his LP albums for Island Records and in all tours until his death.
Griffiths began her early career with Bob Andy in the duo Bob and Marcia, who delivered hit songs like "Young, Gifted And Black" (1970) and "The Pied Piper" (1971). She was already an international star and more known than Bob Marley in 1973 where she contributed to the group's first LP on Island Records – Catch A Fire – by running in songs like "No More Trouble". In 1974, she joined Bob Marley & The Wailers as one of the permanent members of the I-Threes – the vocal trio that also included Judy Mowatt and Rita Marley, who lifted and reinforced Bob Marley's messages on the stage and studio albums.
Solo she delivered heavy love songs like "The First Time I Saw Your Face" and "Sweet Bitter Love" (1974) on the album Play Me Sweet And Niceand immortal roots reggae classic "Steppin' Out Of Babylon" on the album Steppin'. In between, she released the album Naturally, where she sang Bunny Wailer classic rastafarian song "Dreamland", Bob Marley's "Lonesome Feeling" and her own hit songs, "Feel Like Jumping" , "Truly" and "Melody Life" - songs that are still played by radio stations worldwide.
With some help from Bunny Wailer 1990 she hit the Billboard chart with “Electric Boogie” ( Carousell) and created a world class dance, the Electric Slide. This super star has been recording and performing ceaselessly.
At a reggae concert in South Florida, Griffiths displayed, in combination with Reggae rapper Cutty Ranks, on their duet of “Fire Burning”, all the zeal and elements that go into dancehall music. Griffiths exhibited the same exuberance when performing her international crossove hit “Electric Boogie.”
--------------------------------------------------
Griffiths recalls “I started singing professionally as a vocalist in 1964, for Byron Lee and the Dragonaires band.” Her recording years started soon after, at Coxsone Dodd - Studio One where she recorded her first hit “Feel Like Jumping."
It was while recording at Studio One that Griffiths teamed up with Bob Andy on ‘Really Together," the first of many duets that the two would record. “Luckily for me, Bob Andy was always a strong and wise person”, says Griffiths. “He was there for me in the early days and that gave me confidence”. Then the pair moved to the Harry J Label, hitting the British, as well as the International charts with “Young Gifted and Black” and “The Pied Piper,” recording two albums of the same titles.
Following that duet success, she went solo again on the High Note label with Reggae's sole established female producer - Sonia Pottinger - hitting with several songs including her own original “Stepping Out of Babylon.” and releasing two albums “Naturally” and “Stepping”. When asked to express her opinion on female reggae vocalists, Marcia said “Its been a rough, tough job standing up as a woman in this business, that’s why my album before “Land of Love” I chose to call “Indomitable”, which means not easily discouraged or defeated. My views on women in reggae are positive; most of the new or upcoming female singers in reggae started out singing my songs before doing their own originals. I feel very good about that; to know that I have influenced my people positively.”
In 1974, Griffiths united with Judy Mowatt and Rita Marley to form the I-Threes as an important part of the Bob Marley entourage. “Words are not enough to express my experience with the I-Threes and Bob Marley and the Wailers”, says Marcia. “What a blessing to be so privileged.....to have shared this experience”.
Griffiths gained solo international recognition with her monster hit “Electric Boogie.” This song was first recorded in 1982 and went to the #1 spot on the Jamaican charts. Sales continued over the years and in 1989, a Washington, DC Disc Jockey started playing it regularly and in no time, it caught on and hit the station’s regular rotation list.
A new dance, the Electric Slide, was created from the “Electric Boogie” song and as a result, sales soared and the “Electric Slide” became popular all over the U.S. The song and dance have been featured on the Oprah Winfrey and Phil Donahue shows, and the video has been aired many times on the Black Entertainment TV (BET) and other nationwide music networks.
Marcia Llyneth Griffiths was born on November 23, 1949 to Joseph and Beatrice Griffiths. The family hailed from a poor section of West Kingston, but as bad as things were, Marcia considered those days glorious, because there was always one thing in abundance - one thing that made them the wealthiest family in the world - one thing that no one could take from them... Love.
Marcia as a teenager attended Kingston Senior School, and was a zealous member of her church choir. In fact, she was always taking part in some school concert or play. She loved to hang out and sing with friends, often times sneaking out of the house after her parents had gone to bed. It was during one such nightly excursion, that the slim fifteen year old beauty managed to get herself discovered.
Philip “Boasie” James lead singer of the Blues Busters vocal duo was visiting his girlfriend, who lived next door to Marcia, and heard this lovely voice floating through the air. He could not believe his ears, and subsequently took Marcia straight away to Byron Lee and insisted that this song-bird be included on the upcoming talent show to be held at the Carib Theater in Kingston. Marcia remembers that Byron was upset with “Boasie” for coming to interrupt his well planned program schedule and insisting that this "nobody" go on his show.
Marcia remembers she performed a Carla Thomas original,“No Time To Lose” to phenomenal response from the audience. They demanded an encore, but to no avail, as she had only rehearsed one song with the band. As much as she wanted to, she could not do any more performances that day.
The attention Marcia received after this auspicious debut was overwhelming. Everyone wanted to manage her, including Byron Lee’s manager Ronnie Nasralla. That same night he took her to the studios of JBC where Marcia made her first television debut. All in one day were the ingredients of an overnight success story which no one realized was about to happen. The rest is history, for the girl who became first the queen, the matriarch of Reggae Music. Marcia L. Griffiths OD., a great contributor to Reggae Music, is most fitting for the royal, prestigious, and respectful title of Reggae Empress.
In 2004 at the dawning of the 21st century, the most influential female artist in Jamaican popular music, Marcia Griffiths OD is briskly fanning the flames of Reggae Music. Working in the studio, releasing records and touring. Marcia continues her mission of spreading the message in the music into the new millennium.
In between studio sessions, Marcia has been on the road. In the past two years she has enjoyed a successful tour of the USA with Beres Hammond and Freddie Mcgregor. Traveling to England with Beres Hammond they performed an extensive tour with the same overwhelming results. Forward on a yard, Marcia shared the stage with Boyz II Men at the massive Spring Break concert for MTV in Negril Jamaica. Returning to the US, she performed in Orlando, Florida, (Disney World) Universal Studio, at the opening of the Bob Marley Museum. Sharing the bill were the I-Threes, Ziggy Marley and Inner Circle. Moving on up to New York, Marcia displayed two memorable shows with Beres Hammond and Buju Banton at Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden. Going further north Marcia worked in Toronto and Montreal with John Holt and Ken Boothe. Again in the USA with Bob Andy as the Legendary duo, they performed at the Bob Marley Day Celebration in Los Angeles, before heading down south to perform at the historic Reggae meets Rocksteady showcase in Miami. Next Marcia toured with the legendary Wailers Band. Then the I-Threes were off for shows in Italy, Europe and South Africa. Returning to Jamaica, the I-Threes shared the stage for two shows with R&B legends Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle. In November 2002, along with John Holt, Ken Boothe and Mikey Spice, Marcia produced an historical performance with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra at the Wembley Arena, Birmingham and Aston Vill Leisure Centre, Middlesex. Since then Marcia has performed in New York, Toronto, Atlanta, Miami and Jamaica.
The driving force of the Reggae Empress is fueled by her inner desire to serve the people of the world with sweet reggae music. She said “ Music alone shall live, and it’s not only for the money, but the satisfaction I get from doing the work that I love, that is what really keeps me going everyday”.
Stepping Out Of Babylon
Marcia Griffiths Lyrics
We have lyrics for 'Stepping Out Of Babylon' by these artists:
Etana When I think of all the bitter times I've had Oh…
Marcia Griffiths When I think of all the bitter times I've had Oh…
We have lyrics for these tracks by Marcia Griffiths:
A Beer and A Girl A Journey back in time Peace, Love and Joy was on…
All My Life M.G: Am I really here in your arms Its just like I…
Automatic marcia u waan see har ladadada ladadadada natural enuh ladad…
Back In The Days The beauty and splendour is what I remember When I'm thinkin…
Band of Gold Now that you're gone All that's left is a band of…
Better Days When I woke up this morning I didn't know what the…
Carousel When you’re older maybe you will have no problem Marry and…
Closer To You Can you hear me calling Out your name You know that I'm…
Deep In My Heart Deep in my heart Deep, deep in my heart There's a strong,…
Don Don't let me down, don't let me down. Don't let me…
Don't Let Me Down Don't let me down, don't let me down. Don't let me…
Donґt let me down Don't let me down, don't let me down. Don't let me…
Dreamland There's a land that I have heard about So far across…
Electric Boogie It's electric! You can't see it (it's electric!) You gotta…
Electric Boogie (Radio Mix) It's Electric! You can't see it You gotta feel it Ooh, it's…
Electric Slide It's Electric! You can't see it It's electric! You gotta fe…
Everywhere Can you hear me calling Out your name? You know that I'm…
Feel Like Jumping I feel like jumping Lord I feel like shouting now I feel…
Fire Burning I was drawn into myself Observing all this time From every a…
first time The first time ever I saw your face I thought the…
First Time Ever I Saw Your Face The first time ever I saw your face I thought the…
Groovin' Groovin', on a Sunday afternoon Really couldn't get away too…
Grooving Groovin', on a Sunday afternoon Really couldn't get away to…
Grooving (En La Onda) When you feel lonely Groovin', on a Sunday afternoon Really…
Gypsy Man From nowhere through the caravan Round the campfire light …
Here I Am Baby I can't believe that it's real, The way that you make…
I When will I see you again? When will we share precious…
I Don I don't mind when you say that you're goin' away I…
i feel like jumping I feel like jumping Lord I feel like shouting now I feel…
I Just Don I don't mind when you say that you're goin' away I…
I Just Don't Want to Be Lonely I don't mind when you say that you're goin' away I…
I See Love When will I see you again? When will we share precious…
I Shall Sing I shall sing as long as I live And as long…
I Told You When will I see you again? When will we share precious…
I'm Hurtin' Inside When I was just a little child (little child) Happiness was…
It If you're gonna give me good kisses like that Honey, don't…
Just You and Me Though you don't call anymore I sit and wait in vain I…
Keeping It Real Marcia Griffith & Busy Signal - Automatic marcia u waan see…
Land Of Love Come let us go to the land of love Where the…
Live On Oh, if you should hear me calling Would you stop what…
Lonesome Feeling Can you hear me calling Out your name You know that I'm…
Love Is Automatic It's natural, loving you, its physical spiritual too its a…
Love Walked In Love walked right in and drove the shadows away Love walked…
Mark My Word I′m gonna give you love I'm gonna give you joy I′m gonna…
Melody Life When your in love it′s a lovely life When someone asks…
Mix Me Down Don't let me down, don't let me down. Don't let me…
No No No No no no You don't love me and I know now No no…
Number One I heard you say to me you want to be…
Oh My Darling oh my darling i was so lonely searching for you and…
Peaceful Woman I don't believe in doing wrong I'm a peaceful woman Tell me…
Pied Piper YOU WITH YOUR MASQUERADING. YOU ALWAYS CONTEMPLATING WHAT…
Play Me Why me Lord, what have I ever done To deserve even…
Private Number Since I’ve been gone You’ve had your number changed But my l…
Put a Little Love In Your Heart Think of your fellow man, lend him a helping hand Put…
Sea Of Love Come with me, my love To the sea, the sea…
Stepping Stones what took me so long i just realized my stumbing blocks…
Sugar Shack Sug, sug, sug, sug Sugar Shack Ah, there's a crazy little…
Survival Oh, oh, oh Oh, oh, oh You push me 'round like I'm…
Sweet Bitter Love I talked to you today We've loved each other for so…
Tell Me Now I'd like to kiss you once more Just to hold you…
The First Cut Is the Deepest I have given you all my heart But there's someone who…
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face The first time ever I saw your face I thought the…
The First Time I Saw Your Face The first time ever I saw your face I thought the…
THE FIST TIME I EVER SAW YOUR FACE The first time ever I saw your face I thought the…
Tide Is High The tide is high but I′m holding on I'm gonna be…
Time The first time ever I saw your face I thought the…
Tonight tonight while you're there you remember all the things tha…
Truly Truly, I love you truly Truly, I love you truly And it would…
Until You Come Back To Me Though you don't call anymore I sit and wait in vain I…
Wave Your Banner It's electric! You can't see it (it's electric!) You got…
When Will I See You When will I see you again? When will we share precious…
Why Me Why me? Why Questions been bugging, I'd like to ask Why me?…
Woman From nowhere through the caravan Round the campfire light A …
You Though you don't call anymore I sit and wait in vain I…
You Mean The World To Me the very firs tnight you walked into my life you…
Your Love Think of your fellow man, lend him a helping hand Put…
The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos
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@eureldene8528
When I think of all the bitter times I've had
Oh god it doesn't make me sad
Oh no it doesn't bother me
Strenghth and honour is all I see
Oh Give thanks unto the Almighty god
He showed me what I had
He said
Stand firm and keep the faith
Oh your reward should be great
So now I see the day
CORO:
When I'm steppin' out of Babylon, in New Jerusulem in Mount Zion
Now I'm steppin' out of Babylon, in New Jerusulem in Mount Zion
Steppin out of Babylon one by one, steppin in Mount Zion (x2)
Steppin, steppin, steppin out a Babylon (x2)
I've got no alternative in a Babylon
But I know yes, I know there's a Mount Zion
But oh some day his children will find the way
So get up, get up and don't let the devil lead you astray
CORO:
Steppin' out a Babylon, in New Jerusulem, in Mount Zion (x2)
Steppin' out a Babylon one by one, steppin in Mount Zion (x2)
Steppin, steppin, steppin out a Babylon x2
Oh Give thanks unto the Almighty god
He showed me what I had
He said
Stand firm and keep the faith
Oh your reward should be great
So now I see the day
CORO:
When I'm steppin' out a Babylon, in New Jerusulem in Mount Zion
I'm steppin' out a Babylon, in New Jerusulem in Mount Zion
Steppin out of Babylon one by one, oh what a glorious day I see steppin in Mount Zion (Oh what a beautiful day I see
Steppin out of Babylon one by one, when I'm steppin in the gates of the new Jerusulem oh....
Steppin in Mount Zion sing it sing it sing sing a Zion
Steppin, steppin, steppin out a Babylon (x2)
@NationofYahsharal12
She knew long time we are Israelites 🙏🙏💕💕
@ychanan36
Shalom
@gawiandennis9512
Omg the queen of reggae ..😲 Bob is the king.. Dennis is the prince and the cool ruler Gregory and Marcia is the queen that's cool
@barabbasking4848
Lovindear created this track .
I love it so much. Classic well constructed !!
@chrisogbonna794
Ageless n evergreen.I love this song.Thanks Marcia for this wonderful inspiring music.
@stephenkanyori
She's Killin 🔥🔥 her angelic voice ❤️💛💚 Chunning from 🇰🇪🇯🇲 should be played in church to unite ✌️
@virgolove4ever701
❤️🖤💚 This lady is so loved in JAMAICA she is loved by all other missions and everyone else she is auntie Marcia to everyone....
@morventvernon1415
One of my dreams is to meet this lady personally!! A REAL QUEEN!!👍👍
@miltonmorris7266
Hey my friend I know her personally so if u want to meet her u got to come to Jamaica and the meeting can be set up
@cliffzialor5600
this is one of the sweetest reggae albums from one of the I-Threes singers.